A NEW book featuring the courage of Dorset soldiers in the Second World War is hitting the shelves. The work by Patrick Delaforce tells the story of the 43rd Wessex Division’s campaign in Northwest Europe between June 1944 and May 1945.
The book, called The Fighting Wessex Wyverns, describes the journey in the words of the soldiers who were chosen as infantry from Dorset and other South West counties.
His story relies on contributions from more than 50 veterans involved in the campaign.
Mr Delaforce was a professional soldier in World War 2 who commanded the 3rd Horse Artillery in the Desert Rats, and despite being wounded twice he loved the army.
He became an author of non-fiction books and has since written 12 books about the Army.
Mr Delaforce said the Dorset regiment features heavily in his latest work.
He said: “Chapters 14 and 15 are entirely about the Dorsets, and every major battle during the 11 months involved the Dorsets.”
Mr Delaforce lives in Brighton, but his daughter Charlotte lives in Beaminster.
The book can be purchased on Amazon and is published by Fonthill Media.